Lumped element modeling of operational structures by inverting the mobility models

This paper is concerned with what a source precisely sees when it drives a receiver such as a continuous structural object. An equivalent lumped element system consisting of masses, springs and dampers is developed to visually represent the operational structural dynamics of a single-input structure at the driving point. The development is solely based on the mobility model of the driving point response. The mobility model is mathematically inverted to give the impedance model that is suitable for lumped element modeling. The two types of structures studied are unconstrained inertial objects and constrained resilient objects. The lumped element systems presented suggest a new view to dynamics that a single-input flexible structure in operation can be decomposed into the two subsystems: a base system of single degree of freedom (or of a mass for an inertial object) whose mass is in contact with the source and an appendage system consisting of a series of oscillators each of which is attached to the base mass. The driving point response is a result of the coupling between the two subsystems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of lipid sources on intake, rumen fermentation parameters and microbial protein synthesis in Nellore steers supplemented with glycerol

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Inverse Modeling of GPS Multipath for Snow Depth Estimation-Part II: Application and Validation

GPS multipath reflectometry (GPS-MR) is a technique that uses geodetic quality GPS receivers to estimate snow depth. The accuracy and precision of GPS-MR retrievals are evaluated at three different sites: grasslands, alpine, and forested. The assessment yields a correlation of 0.98 and an rms error of 6-8 cm for observed snow depths of up to 2.5 m. GPS-MR underestimates in situ snow depth by 10%-15% at these three sites, although the validation methods do not measure the same footprint as GPS-MR.

Modeling of multiple cracks in reinforced concrete members using solid finite elements with high aspect ratio

This paper presents a new technique to model interfaces by means of degenerated solid finite elements, i.e., elements with a very high aspect ratio, with the smallest dimension corresponding to the thickness of the interfaces. It is shown that, as the aspect ratio increases, the element strains also increase, approaching the kinematics of the strong discontinuity. A tensile damage constitutive relation between strains and stresses is proposed to describe the nonlinear behavior of the interfaces associated with crack opening. To represent crack propagation, couples of triangular interface elements are introduced in between all regular (bulk) elements of the original mesh. With this technique the analyses can be performed integrally in the context of the continuum mechanics and complex crack patterns involving multiple cracks can be simulated without the need of tracking algorithms. Numerical tests are performed to show the applicability of the proposed technique, studding also aspects related to mesh objectivity.

Modeling of As2S3 raman fiber lasers operating in the mid-infrared

A numerical study of As2S3 Raman fiber lasers is carried out to show their potential for the entire coverage of the 3–4-m spectral band. Experimental results are first obtained from such a laser operated under controlled conditions in order to set the fiber parameters (i.e., gain and attenuation coefficients) to be used in the numerical model. An exhaustive numerical analysis is then performed to establish the conditions for optimum lasing performances over the entire 3–4-m spectral band.

Investigation, expression, and molecular modeling of ORF2, a metagenomic lipolytic enzyme

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of organic sources of minerals on fat-corrected milk yield of dairy cows in confinement

This study evaluated the effects of organic and inorganic sources of minerals in diets for mid-lactation dairy cows on milk yield and composition, intake and total apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, blood parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and energy and protein balances. Twenty Holstein cows averaging 146.83 +/- 67.34 days in milk and weighing 625.30 +/- 80.37 kg were used. The experimental design was a crossover. Diets were composed of corn silage (50%), ground grain corn, and soybean meal, differing with regard to the sources of trace minerals, plus an organic and inorganic mix. The organic mineral source increased milk fat and fat-corrected milk yield without changing milk yield, intake, or total apparent digestibility. Blood parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and energy and protein balances were not affected by the sources of minerals. Organic sources of minerals improve milk fat yield without affecting other parameters.

Modeling of hydraulic and energy efficiency indicators for water supply systems

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Lumped Element Modeling of a Flexible Manipulator System

This paper is concerned with a modeling method that can be used for an experimental identification of a dynamic system. More specifically, an equivalent lumped element system is presented to represent in a unique and exact manner a complete proportional-derivative (PD) controlled servo positioning system having a flexible manipulator. The impedance and mobility approach is used to transform the P and D control gains to an electrical spring and an electrical damper, respectively. The impedance model method is used to transform the flexible manipulator to a coupled system between a single contact mass at the driving position and a series of noncontact masses each of which is connected to the contact mass via a resilient member. This method is applicable whenever the driving point response of such a manipulator is available. Experimental work is presented to support the theory developed.

Effect of potassium sources on the antioxidant activity of eggplant

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Molecular identification of food sources in triatomines in the Brazilian northeast: roles of goats and rodents in Chagas disease epidemiology

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The briefing in paleodesign: selection and arrangement of data for the reconstruction of Paleovertebrates

Representing visually the external appearance of an extinct animal requires, for a reasonably reliable and expressive reconstitution, a good compilation and arrangement of the scientific conclusions on the fossil findings. It is proposed in this work an initial model of a briefing to be applied in a paleodesign process of a paleovertebrate. Briefing can be understood as a gathering of all necessary data to perform a project. We point out what must be known about the relevant structures in order to access all the data and the importance of such information. It is expected that the present briefing suggested might be faced with flexibility, serving as a facilitating interface of the relation between paleoartists and paleontologists.

Failure behavior modeling of slender reinforced concrete columns subjected to eccentric load

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efficiency of nitrogen sources and rates on growth and dry matter yield of tifton 85

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)